Cheapest Cars to Insure for 17 Year Olds
If you’re 17 and looking for your first car, insurance is usually the most expensive part — often costing more than the car itself.
The good news is that choosing the right car can save you thousands per year.
In this guide, we break down:
The cheapest cars to insure for 17 year olds
Typical insurance costs in the UK
What actually makes a car cheap to insure
🟡 Quick Answer (Featured Snippet Section)
The cheapest cars to insure for 17 year olds in the UK are usually:
These cars are typically in insurance groups 1–5, making them some of the cheapest options for new drivers.
👉 Average insurance cost: £1,800 – £3,000 per year (depending on location and setup)
🔵 Why Insurance is So Expensive at 17
Insurance companies see 17 year olds as high risk because:
No driving history
Higher accident rates
No no-claims bonus
That’s why choosing a low insurance group car is critical.
👉 Learn more here: [What Do Insurance Groups Mean?]
🟣 Cheapest Cars to Insure (Detailed Breakdown)
1. Hyundai i10
Insurance Group: 1–4
Engine: 1.0L
Estimated Insurance: £1,800–£2,500
✅ Pros:
Very cheap to insure
Reliable and easy to drive
❌ Cons:
Not very powerful
👉 Verdict: One of the best all-round first cars for keeping insurance low.
2. Toyota Aygo
Insurance Group: 1–3
Engine: 1.0L
Estimated Insurance: £1,700–£2,400
✅ Pros:
Extremely low insurance
Cheap to run
❌ Cons:
Small interior
👉 Verdict: Ideal if your priority is the absolute lowest cost.
3. Kia Picanto
Insurance Group: 2–6
Engine: 1.0L
Estimated Insurance: £1,900–£2,700
✅ Pros:
Modern interior
Good reliability
❌ Cons:
Slightly higher insurance than Aygo
👉 Verdict: A slightly nicer alternative while still staying cheap.
4. Volkswagen Up!
Insurance Group: 2–6
Engine: 1.0L
Estimated Insurance: £2,000–£2,800
✅ Pros:
Feels more premium
Strong build quality
❌ Cons:
Higher purchase price
👉 Verdict: Great balance between quality and insurance cost.
5. Skoda Citigo
Insurance Group: 1–5
Engine: 1.0L
Estimated Insurance: £1,800–£2,600
✅ Pros:
Very similar to VW Up but cheaper
Low running costs
❌ Cons:
Basic interior
👉 Verdict: One of the best budget options overall.
🟠 What Makes a Car Cheap to Insure?
Cars are cheaper to insure if they have:
Small engines (1.0L–1.2L)
Low insurance group (1–5 ideally)
Cheap parts and repair costs
Good safety ratings
👉 Avoid:
Turbocharged engines
Sport models (e.g. “FR”, “GTI”, “S Line”)
🔴 Realistic Insurance Costs for 17 Year Olds
Here’s what you can expect:
Cheapest possible: ~£1,700/year
Average: £2,000–£3,000/year
Expensive setups: £3,500+
Factors that affect your price:
Your postcode
Annual mileage
Black box vs no black box
Where the car is kept overnight
🟢 Tips to Get Cheaper Insurance
Add a parent as a named driver
Choose a black box policy (if you’re comfortable)
Reduce your mileage estimate
Pay annually if possible
👉 Read full guide: [How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance]
🔵 Final Verdict
If you’re 17, your goal should be simple:
👉 Pick a car in insurance group 1–5 with a small engine
Cars like the Hyundai i10 or Toyota Aygo will give you the best chance of keeping costs manageable.
Compare Insurance Quotes Now
Finding the right car is only half the battle — the best way to save money is to compare quotes.
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